are called _bararaos_. They have two cutting edges, and are kept in
wooden scabbards, or those of buffalo-horn, admirably wrought. [66]
With these they strike with the point, but more generally with the
edge. When they go in pursuit of their opponent, they show great
dexterity in seizing his hair with one hand, while with the other
they cut off his head with one stroke of the bararao, and carry
it away. They afterward keep the heads suspended in their houses,
where they may be seen; and of these they make a display, in order
to be considered as valiant, and avengers of their enemies and of
the injuries committed by them. [67]

Since they have seen the Spaniards use their weapons, many of the
natives handle the arquebuses and muskets quite skilfully. Before the
arrival of the Spaniards they had bronze culverins and other pieces
of cast iron, with which they defended their forts and settlements,
although their powder is not so well refined as that of the Spaniards.

Their ships and boats are of many kinds; for on the rivers and creeks
inland they use certain very large canoes, each made from one log,
and others fitted with benches and made from planks, and built up
on keels. They have vireys and barangays, which are certain quick
and light vessels that lie low in the water, put together with little
wooden nails. These are as slender at the stern as at the bow, and they
can hold a number of rowers on both sides, who propel their vessels
with _bucçeyes_ or paddles, and with _gaones_ [68] on the outside
of the vessel; and they time their rowing to the accompaniment of
some who sing in their language refrains by which they understand
whether to hasten or retard their rowing. [69] Above the rowers is
a platform or gangway, built of bamboo, upon which the fighting-men
stand, in order not to interfere with the rowing of the oarsmen. In